Dearest Senior in High School,

Where do I begin? I have had major issues with my major. That’s an understatement really. I’m the type of person who has no clue what they’re doing with life, amongst other things. A classic example of that to prove it to you is the fact that I applied to the “Exploratory” and Pre-Med track at the University of Florida.

However, if you know me, I am not going anywhere on the premed track. I did it all through high school. Took all of the classes, passed the exams, I am even a certified Phlebotomist. I took a really long time to think about my future and I did not see myself working those hours and putting myself through medical school. No way.

Switching majors the first time was nerve-wracking. I felt very insecure because all my friends knew they wanted Finance or Accounting. 'Whatever, they’re all math nerds anyways who just count money,' I thought.

Anyways, on to the next major: Health Science. I checked the degree audit for this major and was very comfortable with the course load. If you're like me, you’ll have a good amount of credits coming in to college and feel content with your classes. However, I chose to keep it safe and take a medical pathway. Again, not for me.

Next major: International Studies. I have no idea what I was thinking with this one. I liked the appeal of the title of this major. It seemed challenging and I liked how challenging the course load was. You’re going to have to take crazy classes. One of mine I had signed up for was literally titled “Socialist Control and Resistance in Eastern Europe After 1945." Not to mention, I would have to take four semesters of a foreign European language along with that. I decided that life was not for me. No thank you.

Finally, I felt an affliction towards Political Science. International Affairs very much appeals to me so I went after it and I am enjoying it a lot right now. It is all about finding what you really want to do.

So, to you Mr. or Ms. Senior who is pacing your room while your best friend tries to tell you that you are going to go somewhere in life. Take a deep breath. Because, they’re right. You are and you will find what is right for you. Just in time. Trust the process and know that this school is rooting for you. Everyone is successful in their own way when it comes to choosing a major.

Sincerely,

The still confused, yet confident, Jared Sheppard